.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is an NHL reporter for ESPN.New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes are going to need to have between six to eight full weeks to recuperate coming from a shoulder injury he went through previously this month, the group mentioned Thursday.Hughes experienced a nigh side shoulder trauma during the course of offseason training. After being actually reviewed due to the Devils' clinical staff, it was actually calculated he would certainly not demand surgical procedure and also it could possibly take much more than six full weeks for him to recover.That timetable implies Hughes would miss the Devils' seven preseason activities and their season-opening games on Oct. 4 and also Oct. 5 against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he could return would certainly be the full week of Oct. twenty, which means the Devils would certainly have presently played 8 regular-season games.Losing Hughes for also a quick period happens after he used his novice initiative to bolster why he is actually looked at some of the game's brightest young superstars. Hughes completed final time with six objectives as well as 47 factors while likewise being among 5 Devils to play in every 82 games.What Hughes completed as a novice led to him finishing third in Calder Prize ballot responsible for the resulting victor, Chicago Blackhawks facility Connor Bedard, as well as Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes and Faber were actually the only rookie defensemen that participated in all 82 games final time. They were also tied for second amongst novices in points along with Bedard leading the league's first-year players with 61 points.Once Hughes is actually removed to come back, he is actually expected to be an important part of the Devils' strategies to return to the playoffs. Hughes, that was the fourth selection of the 2021 NHL Draft, devoted 2 years developing at the University of Michigan, which likewise made his sibling Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain who is additionally the reigning Norris Trophy victor for the NHL's best defenseman.Hughes left behind Michigan after 2 periods and authorized his entry-level arrangement along with the Devils. It enabled him to join his bro and Devils alternative captain, Jack, for the team's playoff operate in the course of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.The Devils gained 52 video games throughout the 2022-23 period and also progressed to the playoffs for the first time in 4 seasons. They opened up with a first-round victory over the rivalrous The big apple Rangers in seven activities before losing in the second round versus the Carolina Hurricanes.Last period found the Devils problem to find congruity and also overlook the playoffs. It triggered them parting techniques with crown instructor Lindy Ruff as well as hiring acting train Travis Eco-friendly just before they after that chose former Toronto Maple Leafs instructor Sheldon Keefe in late May.